The lobster fishing industry in southwestern Nova Scotia, specifically around the communities of Mavillette and Meteghan, is embroiled in a conflict marked by intimidation, violence, and alleged illegal fishing activities. The tension revolves around the purchase and sale of lobster, with licensed buyers like Geoffrey Jobert, owner of Lobster Hub Inc., facing threats and attacks after agreeing to buy from harvesters who refused to sell to establishments suspected of dealing in illegally caught lobster. Jobert’s home was shot at on November 23, 2024, an incident he describes as “commonplace” in the community. This highlights the escalating danger and fear gripping the region. The attacks extend beyond Jobert, with other community members targeted, including a former union president critical of illicit lobster purchasing, whose cabin was nearly destroyed. The violence and intimidation paint a picture of a community besieged by lawlessness, where individuals fear for their safety and livelihoods.
The underlying issue fueling this conflict appears to be the sale of illegally caught lobster. Sgt. Jeff LeBlanc of the RCMP estimates 51 charges have been laid against what he terms a “criminal organization” involved in these activities over the past two years. The incidents include four instances of homes being shot at in just seven months. The attacks are not limited to individuals directly involved in the lobster trade. Truck driver Wayne Saulnier’s vehicle was destroyed in a suspected arson attack, likely becoming collateral damage in the ongoing conflict. This suggests a dangerous escalation of tactics and an increasing disregard for the safety and security of the community as a whole. The situation has created a climate of fear and uncertainty, where even those uninvolved in the dispute are at risk.
Members of the community, such as Jean-Claude Comeau, who operates a marine hydraulics business in Meteghan, are calling for an end to the violence and lawlessness plaguing their region. Comeau believes that commercial fishermen are increasingly turning away from buyers suspected of illegal activities, prompting retaliation from these buyers. He emphasizes the need for a collective stand against the criminal element driving the conflict. The Unified Fisheries Conservation Alliance, a group advocating for commercial fishers, points to the federal government’s perceived lack of enforcement at the Saulnierville wharf as a root cause of the conflict. The wharf is the site of a Mi’kmaq lobster fishery operating outside the federally regulated season, established in 2020, and is seen by some as a source of illegally caught lobster entering the market.
While acknowledging the historical injustices faced by Mi’kmaq communities, Jobert believes the federal government has a responsibility to restore peace and order. He suggests that Indigenous fishers are being exploited by criminal elements taking advantage of the unclear legal framework surrounding the sale of their catch. Chief Michelle Glasgow of Sipekne’katik First Nation, however, has previously stated that the federal government has not fully implemented the Marshall decision, which affirmed the Mi’kmaq right to a moderate livelihood fishery. She contends that the government continues to improperly restrict the band’s ability to legally sell their catch. This differing perspective highlights the complex legal and historical context contributing to the conflict, with Indigenous communities asserting their treaty rights in the face of regulations they view as unfair and restrictive.
The lack of adequate policing in the area is a recurring concern. Comeau claims police presence, particularly during night hours, is scarce and criticizes both the RCMP and the municipal government for seemingly ignoring the escalating violence. The RCMP acknowledges the need for more resources and is reportedly in discussions with the municipality to increase the number of officers and improve night patrol coverage. The municipal government, however, has offered only a generalized statement expressing sadness over the situation, but without concrete action plans. This perceived inaction by law enforcement contributes to the sense of vulnerability and frustration within the community, with residents feeling abandoned and unprotected in the face of ongoing threats.
The future of the lobster fishery in southwestern Nova Scotia hangs in the balance. Jobert, despite the dangers, remains resolute, stating his intention to continue buying lobster from legitimate sources. He stresses the urgency for all levels of government, along with law enforcement, to prioritize resolving this conflict before it leads to further violence and potentially loss of life. The situation underscores the need for a multi-faceted approach involving increased policing, clear regulations, and open dialogue between all stakeholders, including Indigenous communities, commercial fishers, and government representatives, to find a sustainable solution that respects both treaty rights and the rule of law. The ongoing conflict serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of unresolved tensions and the potential for these tensions to escalate into violence and disruption within a community.
